Parallel BIST architecture for CAMs

A new parallel test algorithm and a built-in self test (BIST) architecture for efficient testing of various types of functional faults in content addressable memories (CAMs) are developed. The results show that efficient and practical testing with very low complexity and area overhead can be achieved     

Gas formation and biological effects of biodegradable magnesium in a preclinical and clinical observation

Magnesium alloys are biodegradable metals receiving increasing attention, but the clinical applications of these materials are delayed by concerns over the rapid corrosion rate and gas formation. Unlike corrosion, which weakens mechanical properties, the gas formation issue has received little attention. Therefore, we evaluated the gas formation and biological effects for Mg implants through preclinical (immersed in Earle’s balanced salt solution and in vivo) and clinical studies. The immersion test examined the gas volume and composition. The in vivo study also examined gas volume and histological analysis. The clinical study examined the gas volume and safety after Mg screw metatarsal fixation. Gas was mainly composed of H₂, CO and CO₂. Maximum volumes of gas formed after 5 days for in vivo and 7 days in clinical study. Within the clinical examination, two superficial wound complications healed with local wound care. Osteolytic lesions in the surrounding metaphysis of the Mg screw insertion developed in all cases and union occurred at 3 months. Mg implants released gas with variable volumes and composition (H₂, CO, and CO₂), with no long-term toxic effects on the surrounding tissue. The implants enabled bone healing, although complications of wound breakdown and osteolytic lesions developed.     

LDV measurement,flow visualization and numerical analysis of flow distribution in a close-coupled catalytic converter

Results from an experimental study of flow distribution in a close-coupled catalytic converter (CCC) are presented. The experiments were carried out with a flow measurement system specially designed for this study under steady and transient flow conditions. A pitot tube was a tool for measuring flow distribution at the exit of the first monolith. The flow distribution of the CCC was also measured by LDV system and flow visualization. Results from numerical analysis are also presented. Experimental results showed that the flow uniformity index decreases as flow Reynolds number increases. In steady flow conditions, the flow through each exhaust pipe made some flow concentrations on a specific region of the CCC inlet. The transient test results showed that the flow through each exhaust pipe in the engine firing order, interacted with each other to ensure that the flow distribution was uniform. The results of numerical analysis were quali-tatively accepted with experimental results. They supported and helped explain the flow in the entry region of CCC.     

Characteristics of electrostatic cyclone/bag filter with inlet types (lab and pilot scale)

The main purpose of this study was to investigate experimentally the characteristics of an electrostatic cyclone/bag filter with inlet types (upper and bottom inlet) in order to overcome the low collection efficiency for submicron particles and high pressure drop, which were the main problems of general fabric bag filters. The experiment was performed to analyze the collection efficiency and pressure drop of the electrostatic cyclone/bag filter compared with that of conventional fabric bag filters with various experimental parameters such as the inlet type (upper and bottom), inlet velocity (filtration velocity) and applied voltages. From the results, the upper inlet type showed a slightly higher pressure drop reduction ratio as 40–90% than that of bottom inlet. In addition, the electrostatic cyclone/bag filter represented an increment of over 5% for the collection efficiency of submicron particles (around 1 Μm) in comparison with the general fabric filter. Presented at the Int’/Sym. on Chem. Eng. (Cheju, Feb. 8–10, 2001), dedicated to Prof. H. S. Chun on the occasion of his retirement from Korea University.     

A novel ride-through system for adjustable-speed drives usingcommon-mode voltage

This paper proposes a new ride-through system for adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) using common-mode voltage. In the proposed ride-through system, the common-mode voltage inherent in a pulsewidth-modulation boost rectifier-inverter system is used for charging the energy storage device at normal conditions of the source power. That is, controlling the common-mode voltage with a small reactor while driving motors can regulate charging current. Using simple additional circuits and the existing rectifier, at the whole range of voltage disturbances from balanced or unbalanced shallow voltage sag to full outage, ride-through is successively available with the proposed system. Various energy storage devices can be selected according to the applications and two kinds of charging topology-using inverter-side or rectifier-side common-mode voltage-are also available in the proposed system     

Combustion and emission characteristics of HCNG in a constant volume chamber

Finding an alternative fuel and reducing environmental pollution are the main goals for future internal combustion engines. Hydrogenmethane (HCNG) is now considered an alternative fuel due to its low emission and high burning rate. An experimental study was carried out to obtain fundamental data for the combustion and emission characteristics of pre-mixed hydrogen and methane in a constant volume chamber (CVC) with various fractions of hydrogen-methane blends. A pre-mixed chamber was used to obtain a good mixture of these gases. Exhaust emissions were measured using a Horiba exhaust gas analyzer for various fractions of hydrogen-methane blends. The results showed that the rapid combustion duration was shortened, and the rate of heat release elevated as the hydrogen fraction in the fuel blend was increased. Moreover, the maximum mean gas temperature and the maximum rate of pressure rise also increased. These phenomena were attributed to the burning velocity, which increased exponentially with the increased hydrogen fraction in the fuel blend. Exhaust HC and CO₂ concentrations decreased, while NO_X emission increased with an increase in the hydrogen fraction in the fuel blend. Our results could facilitate the application of hydrogen and methane as a fuel in the current fossil hydrocarbon-based economy and the strict emission regulations in internal combustion engines.     

Preparation of Pt/C electrode with double catalyst layers by electrophoresis deposition method for PEMFC

Pt/C double catalyst layer (DCL) electrodes are prepared by pulsed electrophoresis deposition (PED) method from a Pt colloidal solution as a plating bath. The PED is optimized by varying the deposition time in a galvanostatic mode. The catalyst layers of the electrodes prepared by this method are structurally characterized by EDX and SEM studies. The catalytic activities of Pt/C DCL electrodes are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry technique. The loading amount of the Pt catalyst is controlled by varying the deposition time. With the same Pt catalyst loading, the DCL electrode has enhanced catalytic activity than single catalyst layer (SCL) electrode.     

Recent Advances in ZnO-Based Light-Emitting Diodes

ZnO has attracted considerable attention for optical device applications because of several potential advantages over GaN, such as commercial availability of bulk single crystals and a larger exciton binding energy (~60 meV compared with ~25 meV for GaN). Recent improvements in the control of background conductivity of ZnO and demonstrations of p-type doping have intensified interest in this material for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In this paper, we summarize recent progress in ZnO-based LEDs. Physical and electrical properties, bandgap engineering, and growth of n- and p-type ZnO thin films are also reviewed.